Spread throughout the beautiful urban landscape of Minneapolis are dozens of beautiful parks that lend their trails, dog parks, and lakeside views to enjoy. Locals know they can walk just about anywhere and find even the smallest parks to enjoy. But Minneapolis also boasts some great must-see spots for locals and tourists alike. For some free fun outside, be sure to check out these best parks in Minneapolis.
Minnehaha Park
Just 6 miles south of downtown Minneapolis sits one of the most popular tourist spots in the area. Minnehaha Park is home to beautiful trails and a 53-foot majestic waterfall that is as beautiful in the summer as it is in the winter. With over 850,000 visitors per year, Minnehaha Park has made its mark as one of the biggest and best parks to visit in the Twin Cities area.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is by far the largest park in Minneapolis at over 740 acres of park, including all of its amenities. This park is truly one of the go-to spots in Minneapolis for year-round seasonal fun. The amenities at Theo Wirth Park include:
- Chalet
- Pavilion
- Sledding hill
- Trails
- Wildflower garden
- Small lake with beach
- Disc golf course
- Soccer field
- And more
Lake Harriet Park
Lake Harriet Park includes the Lake Harriet Bandshell, which has been through multiple iterations as original pavilions were destroyed by fire in 1891 and again in 1903. Then in 1925, a third structure was destroyed by a strong wind storm.
A small bandshell was built in place of the pavilions until it was replaced in 1986 with today’s bandshell. In addition to the bandshell, visitors can enjoy Lake Harriet beaches, a biking path, fishing piers, and a playground for the kids.
Gold Medal Park
Gold Medal Park is a gorgeous park right next to downtown Minneapolis. It’s small (7.5 acres) but mighty and is home to incredible views of the city skyline on one side and the beautiful Mississippi River on the other. Plus, Gold Medal Park is home to numerous sculptures that create a beautiful, interactive landscape for visitors.
Boom Island Park
Located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront is Boom Island Park. A picturesque landscape of nature and city blend together in this neighborhood spot. People from all over come to Boom Island Park to boat, bike, and even rent canoes or kayaks in the summer months.
Loring Park
Right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, across from the Sculpture Garden, is Loring Park. Loring Park has:
- Basketball courts
- Tennis court
- Pond (complete with a fishing pier)
- Bike and walking paths
- Walking bridge that leads to the sculpture garden across the way.
It also sits right behind Minneapolis Community and Technical College so students can enjoy a beautiful landscape in between classes.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden across from Loring Park (via a bridge over the 94 Interstate) is where you’ll find the infamous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. The Walker Art Center recently updated the Sculpture Garden to include a mixture of old and new sculptures to create a beautiful place to walk, picnic, or just marvel at the artistic beauty within the park.
Bryant Square Park
Bryant Square Park sits in the middle of the Lyndale and South Uptown neighborhoods and is the perfect little park for the neighborhood. It has a playground, wading pools, a soccer field, and ice rinks in the winter. It’s close to restaurants, residential areas, and more—making it a prime spot to have a park and is easy for anyone to walk or bike to all year round.
Mill Ruins Park
Mill Ruins Park sits west of Saint Anthony Falls and is an awesome sight to see in Minneapolis. With the literal ruins of what is left of abandoned flour mills, visitors can walk down the steps to view this fantastic historical spot, plus enjoy views of the Mississippi on your lunch break or take a bike ride along the miles-long paths throughout the area along the river.
Father Hennepin Bluff Park
On the other side of the river from Mill Ruins Park (you can see it) is Father Hennepin Bluff Park. This park has a nice walking path, places to grill and picnic, and even a bandstand where numerous events and parties are hosted throughout the summer months.
Lake Nokomis Park
Looking for a park on the south end of the city? Look no further than Lake Nokomis Park on Lake Nokomis, of course. In addition to the beach, this park also has a baseball field, biking path, pickleball, hockey rink, soccer field, tennis court, and more. It’s a beloved park for people living in the area and those who want to take a nice bike ride down the Minnehaha bike path.
Visiting Parks in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is one of the greenest cities in the country, with even more parks than we could possibly list here. With so many avid bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, it’s no wonder why this city prioritizes parks of all varieties for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to throw an outdoor barbeque, take the dog for a walk, or just read a nice book in the shade of a tree—you don’t have to go far to find the right spot.
When you’re not visiting one of the many parks around the area, you’re probably spending time at home. So if you’re there and notice your home needs some TLC, reach out to Northface Construction. Our expert team can help repair your roof, siding, or anything other exterior issues you may have. We look forward to chatting with you!
